4 signs you’re overfeeding your cat: why controlled feeding is better

Cats need a healthy, balanced and varied diet. Overfeeding them can lead to obesity, which can increase the risk of many health problems. We don't deny that, due to the abundance of information and the huge market, it can be difficult to choose the right food and method, so we are here to help.

It is important to understand that an obese cat is an unhappy cat, and overweight cats have difficulty participating in daily routine activities. Just to give you the depth of the situation, 50% of cats visiting the vet are overweight or obese. But the suitable method and the ideal food will not only result in a happy cat, but also benefit your wallet.

1. You don’t pay much attention to the type of food

Although our first tip is not closely related to obesity, we still think it is important to mention it. Cats evolved as desert animals, so they consume very little water. They get a significant part of their water needs from their food, so we advise you not to feed your pet only dry food.

You should also pay attention to the age. Foods made for kittens support their growth. Due to the slower metabolism of older cats, it is worth giving food intended for seniors. This type of food contain fewer calories but just enough nutrients.

2. You don’t measure the food

Due to their lifestyle, it is also better for cats to be fed several times a day in small portions. This not only prevents overfeeding, but also creates a routine in their lives, which means safety.

We absolutely do not recommend free feeding. The method whereby you put the food out in the morning and your pet eats when and as much as it wants. Two things happen in this case. Picky eaters do not eat as much as they need, because they will not be satisfied with the quality. And the more gluttonous felines will eat much more than they should. Your veterinarian can help you determine the recommended daily amount for breed and age.

3. You don’t take into account your pet’s unique characteristics

Although you can find a lot of information on the internet and on the food packaging about how much food you should give your kitty, we still advised you to ask your veterinarian about the dose. Because there are a few things that still need to be taken into account.

For example, how active your cat is, whether it spends significant time outside even in the colder seasons, whether it has any chronic diseases, or how much its metabolism has changed due to neutering. In addition to overfeeding, too little food can cause problems too, so it is worth taking all factors into account when determining the doses. And, of course, change these standards if you feel it is necessary.

4. You forget about the treats

We know how hard it is to resist the pleading cat eyes, but it’s important for both of you to be able to say no. Although there are human foods that are safe for cats to add some variety to their diet, we recommend that you do not add them to your cat’s diet, but rather replace one of their meals.

If you are training your kitty, or if you simply like to reward him with a few treats once in a while, there is no problem with that. We simply ask that if you feel that you gave more than usual one day because, for example, you had guests over and you tried to calm them down, you should include that in your daily food ration.